ideal for the food industry
NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) is a synthetic rubber known for its excellent resistance to grease, oils, lubricants and gases, so it is no surprise that this rubber type is widely used in the food industry.
NBR is composed primarily of butadiene, with acrylonitrile as its key component. Commonly referred to simply as nitrile, this rubber is highly suitable for products that come into contact with mineral oils, fuels and grease.
safe for health-related applications
Nitrile rubber is resistant to greases, lubricants, oils, certain diluted acids and hydrocarbons. Its mechanical properties and broad temperature range make it a versatile material, capable of withstanding temperatures from -20 to +100 °C. While NBR has moderate resistance to ozone and UV radiation, it is predominantly used indoors. Its impermeability to gases makes it effective for applications involving aromatic compounds, ketones, strong acids and halogenated hydrocarbons. The key advantages of NBR include its ability to consistently perform under demanding conditions, maintain its shape and remain safe for health-related applications.
Of course, there are areas where NBR is less effective. It has poor resistance to ageing and weathering, making EPDM and SBR far more suitable for such applications.
O-ring hero
Thanks to its excellent oil resistance, NBR is widely used on oil platforms, in the petrochemical industry and in garages and workshops. It is also commonly found in various types of seals. Fun fact: NBR is the most frequently used rubber for O-rings. Another familiar application is hygienic gloves – nitrile gloves – which are used in the medical sector.
Because NBR is highly resistant to fats, it is also the ideal rubber for use with greasy food products. For example, think of the oil dispensers used in a chip shop or hoses in a chocolate factory.
In our factories, we process significant quantities of NBR for seals that come into contact with oil. We also use it for the production of screening stars, cleanroom shoe soles and rubber mats.
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